The 29-year-old looked to have fought his way back into Brendan Rodgers' first-team plans at Anfield following a disappointing start to his Liverpool career, but opted to join the Hammers for the assurance of a regular Premier League starting spot.

"I'm very excited," he told the club's official website. "It's a great opportunity for me being here, it's a great club and I'm really excited to get going.

"I'm ready and I'm fit for the first game against Cardiff City. I've played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front.

"It's all happened quickly, but I'm really excited and hoping to play a part on Saturday."

Downing moved to Liverpool from Aston Villa for £20 million in July 2011 and made 91 appearances for the Reds, scoring seven goals.